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*Zoe* · #1 (**permalink**) 08-06-2016, 01:34 AM

The most logical way for you to get from one part of the castle to the next, from down to the dungeons all the way up to the seventh floor, is making use of the staircases. Even though using them is logical, that does not mean it is going to provide the easiest route from Point A to Point B. The staircases in this tower are notorious for moving without warning whether you are walking on them or not. Hopefully luck is on your side today.

Covering the walls from the bottom of the tower to the top are hundreds of portraits. While they may be intriguing, it is important that you stay focused on the task at hand: getting from one flight of stairs to the next. If you're not paying attention, the staircase you are on will move and you'll have to maneuver your way back down or up again or wind up sinking through one of the trick steps. Under no circumstances should you be sliding down the banisters -- doing so will put your life at risk and, if you live to tell the tale, cost you two week's worth of detention.

*Zoe* · 09-04-2017, 10:56 PM

The first day of classes was always exciting. Regina always found it a beautiful sight watching the students as they made their way up and down the stairs to get to the appropriate floors where their classrooms were located. So eager to learn, so eager to get to class on time, so eager to make that good first impression. It honestly warmed her heart.

But the first day could also be equally painful. The human traffic jams, the first years having no clue where they were going, some of the older students already trying to skip class, the risk of Peeves making everything more chaotic than it needed to be. It was enough to turn the hairs on her head grey and give her unwanted wrinkles.

All the reasons that were going through her head is what led the headmistress to make her presence known at the base of the moving staircases. Since Ancient Runes wasn't scheduled for today, she was going to stand there to assist in anyway she could. Lost? She knew the way. Trying to skip? Expect a glare. Have a free period? The woman could easily find something for you to do.

"Good morning," she pleasantly said to those who passed by.

ChocolateFrog · 09-04-2017, 11:31 PM

Joy gaped open-mouthed at the staircases, moving and shifting right before her eyes. No matter how many times her family had told her about Hogwarts, she could never have pictured something like this. It was breathtaking. She found that every corner she turned in this castle, she found something new to "ooh" and "aah" at.

Joy saw the Headmistress ahead of her. She gasped excitedly.

"Hello, Headmistress Hawthorne!" She approached the woman, introducing herself. "I'm Joy Williams. Oh, this castle is so amazing. I can't believe I'm here. My whole family's been to Hogwarts, except my little brother. My sister Jean just finished last year. Oh, these staircases are wonderful!" she added as she saw another staircase move. She smiled, clearly enraptured.

It's not like she had never seen magic before. For goodness' sake, her whole family was magical. Except maybe her little brother. They still weren't sure about him. There were many who even said that her great-grandmother was the brightest witch here in her time. But Joy could never take magic for granted. It was too fascinating to her, even after almost twelve years of growing up around it.

She turned her attention back to Headmistress Hawthorne.

"Er, excuse me Headmistress," she continued, "Where do all of these staircases go?" She didn't want to wind up someplace dangerous or restricted to students. She'd hate to get in trouble, especially so early in the term.

*Holmesian Feline* · 09-04-2017, 11:40 PM

Cassie was grateful that the first night hadn’t been too adventureous so she managed to get a decent night’s sleep and wasn’t dragging her feet the next morning. Finishing up her breakfast, the sixth year was ready to make her way back upstairs for whatever class was first for her. Was it History of Magic...or was it Charms? Probably History given she would have been more likely to remember if it was her favorite class. But no matter at the moment.

Crossing the Entrance Hall, she made her way towards the main staircase, figuring she’s figure out on the way. Catching sight of a certain headmistress and Ancient Runes professor made her realize there was at least ONE subject she was certain it wasn’t. Otherwise she’d be stationed wherever the lesson was being held rather than at the base of the stairs smiling and greeting everyone who passed.

“Good morning, Headmistress,” she greeted the woman in return as she approached. A first year Hufflepuff currently asking the professor for help

*Zoe* · 09-05-2017, 04:16 AM

Some faces she recognized from the year before, whereas the others were brand new to her. The new ones she tried to remember from the previous night when they were sorted, but no names were shouting out at her. Fortunately for the headmistress, she had until June to get all of those names properly matched with faces.

One of the few faces was making easy work for her. The moment she heard her name, Regina turned toward the small Hufflepuff and smiled. A quick thought flew through her mind the moment Joy Williams revealed her name, but it was quickly confirmed that she was not directly related to the Williams twins that paid visit to the school last term. She never recalled Melanie ever mentioning anything about a Jean or a Joy in her family. Relief.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Williams. We're glad that you're finally here," she responded genuinely, a little amused at how the girl was looking at the place in such awe. Her question was a little humorous as well, but it was to be expected of a first year. Not to mention this was this one's first time seeing the moving staircases in action. "They go to various floors of the school, where the classrooms and other nooks and crannies can be found. Do you know which class you're meant to be heading to right now?"

Before she could get an answer from the first year, however, one belonging to an older student caught her attention. Regina's blue eyes shifted from Joy to a familiar face: Cassandra.

"Welcome back, Miss McNally. I do take it you had a good summer? And did well on your OWLs?" the woman asked the brunette, mildly interested. Though, of course, it didn't take the her long to get back onto the task of making sure everyone was heading where they were meant to go. "Which class are you starting the morning off with today?" Being in NEWT-level classes now, being on time was a part of being on the path to success.

ChocolateFrog · 09-05-2017, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

One of the few faces was making easy work for her. The moment she heard her name, Regina turned toward the small Hufflepuff and smiled. A quick thought flew through her mind the moment Joy Williams revealed her name, but it was quickly confirmed that she was not directly related to the Williams twins that paid visit to the school last term. She never recalled Melanie ever mentioning anything about a Jean or a Joy in her family. Relief.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Williams. We're glad that you're finally here," she responded genuinely, a little amused at how the girl was looking at the place in such awe. Her question was a little humorous as well, but it was to be expected of a first year. Not to mention this was this one's first time seeing the moving staircases in action. "They go to various floors of the school, where the classrooms and other nooks and crannies can be found. Do you know which class you're meant to be heading to right now?"

Thank goodness the Headmistress was so friendly and helpful.

"I'm supposed to be going to Transfiguration," confirmed Joy, smiling at her. She was so excited to go to class and learn something new. She wondered what they would teach her today. "I've heard that these staircases can be tricky sometimes. I hope I can find my way to class. Wouldn't it be awful if I was late? I suppose I should be going on my way, then. It was so lovely to meet you!" Okay, she was babbling now. Joy smiled again at Headmistress Hawthorne, and at the other student who was standing near her. Then she started her way up the stairs, hoping for the best.

*PhoenixRising* · 09-05-2017, 11:08 PM

After an eventful first night in the common room, with bonding with her dormmates some more, as well as getting to know the new Slytherins, Skylar was oddly bright-eyed for the double session of History of Magic that morning. Yet strangely, as she made her way up the staircases and took note of the Headmistress there as a guide for any wayward students, she found herself wishing for mattress surfing.

Mentally scolding herself for thinking of such ILLOGICAL things, she sighed, hoping the headmistress was not one who could read minds. Because it really was impractical, since first of all the staircases MOVED. And secondly, it was the first day of classes and she needed to be on top of her game from the get-go. There was absolutely no reason to be getting distracted by such childish games.

"Morning Headmistress," Skylar greeted, hoping the woman didn't catch any hints of disbelief in her tone. OWL student; she needed to be responsible here. "Cassandra," she took note of the older Ravenclaw. "You headed to History of Magic too?" Oops, and she just missed meeting another new first year, this one clad in Hufflepuff robes. Ah well, she would catch her next time, she supposed, not wanting to delay the first year for her first ever Hogwarts class. Although if she was anything like she'd been in her first year, she would have been like an hour early.

*Holmesian Feline* · 09-07-2017, 09:06 PM

Cass noticed the younger badger seemingly smiling at her and smiled back. “Hi,” she greeted to be polite. She might have continued but the girl was off to explore the castle and go to Transfiguration she heard. The sixth year silently wished her luck, remember those good old days. Who could believe it was six years ago.

Welcome back, Miss McNally

It was go to be back so she couldn’t help smile at the woman’s words. “Thank you,” Cassie remarked before nodding as the headmistress continued. “Yes…on both counts.” Of course the good grades on the OWLs certainly helped a great deal in her having a great summer. “All Outstandings.” In case she was really interested in how she had done and not just being polite. Though perhaps the headmistress already knew how she had done if she had gotten access to all the grades due to her position. At least the O in Ancient Runes which certainly might have been due to Professor Hawthorne’s teaching.

Pulling out her schedule from her robe pocket to be sure of the correct answer, Cassie heard her name and turned her attention to the Slytherin girl. Her full name which wasn’t all that common which fit with the fact that she and Skylar didn’t have that much interaction. “Hey…yeah. History of Magic,” she confirmed to both the younger student and the headmistress, given she had seen it on her schedule just moments before.

*Zoe* · 09-08-2017, 04:42 AM

Regina simply nodded her head in agreement with that the first year stated about the staircase. Yes, it could be tricky sometimes. There was no doubt about that. Every now and then, the headmistress herself even had trouble with them. "That they can be. Though, as long as you're focused and concentrating on getting to where you want to go, one can maneuver around rather quickly. It just takes time to master the stairs and get used to how they work," she replied, offering the little one some advice before she ran off to class. "And Transfiguration is on the sixth floor, Miss Williams."

Ahh, so eager to learn. If only they would all stay like that...

"Very good, very good," the woman said to Cassandra, offering her an approving smile. Of course she had access to all of their scores, but she wasn't blessed with a photographic memory -- all she recalled, mostly because of her roster, was that the girl had done well in Ancient Runes. And it didn't seem like the young Ravenclaw standing in front of her had one either, considering she had to pull out her class schedule. Fortunately for Cassandra, Skylar bought her some time with her appearance.

"Hello, Miss Diggory. Ready for another school year?" Regina greeted the Slytherin. She shot a quick glance between the two girls about what class they were supposed to be heading. History of Magic? The both of them? Hmm. "Well, don't let me hold you up. I'm sure Mrs. Marchand is excited to see you both again."

Goblinfrog · 09-08-2017, 11:40 PM

Kitty was finished with her first class that term, and was now heading for the library to pick up a book before quickly making her way to the next class. Her patrols wouldn't formally start until the afternoon.

She was walking down the landing when she caught sight of the headmistress standing about watching everyone.

"Good morning Professor Headmistress," she said cheerfully, wondering if she should ask if she needed help with anything. Wasn't sure if there was a reason why she was standing there, but maybe she just liked watching them go to classes. She might also have been watching for troublemakers. "How are you?"

*PhoenixRising* · 09-09-2017, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Cass noticed the younger badger seemingly smiling at her and smiled back. “Hi,” she greeted to be polite. She might have continued but the girl was off to explore the castle and go to Transfiguration she heard. The sixth year silently wished her luck, remember those good old days. Who could believe it was six years ago.

Welcome back, Miss McNally

It was go to be back so she couldn’t help smile at the woman’s words. “Thank you,” Cassie remarked before nodding as the headmistress continued. “Yes…on both counts.” Of course the good grades on the OWLs certainly helped a great deal in her having a great summer. “All Outstandings.” In case she was really interested in how she had done and not just being polite. Though perhaps the headmistress already knew how she had done if she had gotten access to all the grades due to her position. At least the O in Ancient Runes which certainly might have been due to Professor Hawthorne’s teaching.

Pulling out her schedule from her robe pocket to be sure of the correct answer, Cassie heard her name and turned her attention to the Slytherin girl. Her full name which wasn’t all that common which fit with the fact that she and Skylar didn’t have that much interaction. “Hey…yeah. History of Magic,” she confirmed to both the younger student and the headmistress, given she had seen it on her schedule just moments before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

"Hello, Miss Diggory. Ready for another school year?" Regina greeted the Slytherin. She shot a quick glance between the two girls about what class they were supposed to be heading. History of Magic? The both of them? Hmm. "Well, don't let me hold you up. I'm sure Mrs. Marchand is excited to see you both again."

Wait, did the Ravenclaw just say what she thought she said? All outstandings? Sure Skylar had no idea how many OWL exams she took, but to ace every single one of them was still impressive. She was going to have to speak to her at a later date for pointers no doubt.

"Of course, I'm also really excited about the quill again." The headmistress did advise it, didn't she? So surely she knew who her reporters and photographers were. Also, Mrs Marchand? Somewhere in the recesses of her mind it may have been mentioned about the marriage of her charms and history professors, but the fifth year had completely forgotten nonetheless and so it was all news to her to really. So at least as far as Skylar was concerned, when the Headmistress mentioned Mrs Marchand, her thoughts immediately flashed to Professor Newton had resigned and now her charms Professor's MOTHER or WIFE was teaching? Wait, was Gaston Marchand married? But then she had said see them both again, something that Skylar had also overlooked.

"Mrs Marchand?" Skylar repeated, just to be clear. "Right, yes. Class. See you." And the Slytherin turned and headed off in the direction of the History classroom, completely confused as to this "new" professor.

*Zoe* · 09-11-2017, 04:26 AM

"Excellent. I look forward to another year of Ancient Runes with you and your peers," Regina said genuinely, remembering the girl's aptitude with the subject last term. "The Quill as well, yes. I'm sure we'll have some newsworthy events to write about soon enough."

"And yes, Miss Diggory. Mrs. Marchand. She, formerly Professor Newton, and your Charms professor tied the knot this past summer." Did she miss reading about that the Prophet? It was there for all to see, among all the other newsworthy things that had been going on that week in July. But no more was said to the Slytherin about that, for she was already heading down the first-floor corridor. A wave was given to her as she departed.

And her attention was quickly grasped by none other than the Head Girl. "Good morning, Miss Valentine. I am doing quite well, thank you. Just making sure everyone is heading in the right direction. I'm sure you remember how hectic it is for first years to get around on the first day of classes," the woman responded while a quick look around the space for any lost faces before adding, "How are things going with you?" By that she meant her first class and the additional student leader responsibilities.

Goblinfrog · 09-15-2017, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

"Excellent. I look forward to another year of Ancient Runes with you and your peers," Regina said genuinely, remembering the girl's aptitude with the subject last term. "The Quill as well, yes. I'm sure we'll have some newsworthy events to write about soon enough."

"And yes, Miss Diggory. Mrs. Marchand. She, formerly Professor Newton, and your Charms professor tied the knot this past summer." Did she miss reading about that the Prophet? It was there for all to see, among all the other newsworthy things that had been going on that week in July. But no more was said to the Slytherin about that, for she was already heading down the first-floor corridor. A wave was given to her as she departed.

And her attention was quickly grasped by none other than the Head Girl. "Good morning, Miss Valentine. I am doing quite well, thank you. Just making sure everyone is heading in the right direction. I'm sure you remember how hectic it is for first years to get around on the first day of classes," the woman responded while a quick look around the space for any lost faces before adding, "How are things going with you?" By that she meant her first class and the additional student leader responsibilities.

"Oh yes, I know all about that," Kitty said, nodding agreeably. First days were always crowded and definitely confusing to new students. Even when they didn't ask for directions you could sometimes tell that they would have if they weren't so shy. Like Maisie, for example.

How was she? "I'm getting along fine," she said enthusiastically. "Class was fun." Insert a small pause here. "And I just wanted to say thank you Headmistress, for allowing me to be head girl. It's not something I ever expected, but I promise won't disappoint you." She may have caused some problems in the past, but not this term.

*Zoe* · 09-24-2017, 06:40 PM

The woman simply nodded her head in response to Kitty saying that she knew all about what it was like to be a first year on the first day of school. Regina, of course, didn't know what it was like -- Ilvermorny was drastically easier to navigate. But she had an inkling at how confusing it must be, even as an adult during her first days at the school took some getting used to.

"It would be greatly appreciated if you and your fellow student leaders would point the first years in the right direction if you happen to come across any that are lost. Don't let the more troublesome students steer them in the wrong direction." Of course, she was positive the Head Girl knew this. But a gentle reminder never hurt. Especially when past student leaders in the past failed to properly lead.

"Excellent. And what subjects are you taking this year?" It was a very important year for her as a NEWT student. "Have you started looking at potential universities or places to work once you graduated?" Granted it was the first day of school, but time went by quickly.

"Not a problem at all, Miss Valentine." Yes, the girl had made mistakes in the past, though everyone did. It was the learning from ones mistakes that showed character, which the Head Girl had shown over the years. "And I will hold you to that promise of yours."

Shanners · 10-01-2017, 06:22 PM

Beau was TWELVE now. TWELVE years of GREAT FUN and he'd had his first birthday in the Hogwarts castle! Now, he wasn't REALLY a big fan of birthdays and didn't really celebrate them as lavishly as his big sister did, but he was ALLLLL for getting presents and attention when he wanted it. Which had been on that day. He was nooooooot a fan of the hair cut his mother had said he needed to get, nor the book on 'male grooming' from his father.

SO he was back to thinking birthdays were stupid and awful and BOOOOOOORING and definitely not as fun as his everyday antics at school.

LIKE TODAY.

Because TODAY he was going to sit right here on the stair banister and wait for them to move and see if he fell off. Because why nOooOooooOOOOTTT? He also had his skateboard strategically placed on one of the steps just for the LOLZ.

nicole black · 10-02-2017, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanners

Beau was TWELVE now. TWELVE years of GREAT FUN and he'd had his first birthday in the Hogwarts castle! Now, he wasn't REALLY a big fan of birthdays and didn't really celebrate them as lavishly as his big sister did, but he was ALLLLL for getting presents and attention when he wanted it. Which had been on that day. He was nooooooot a fan of the hair cut his mother had said he needed to get, nor the book on 'male grooming' from his father.

SO he was back to thinking birthdays were stupid and awful and BOOOOOOORING and definitely not as fun as his everyday antics at school.

LIKE TODAY.

Because TODAY he was going to sit right here on the stair banister and wait for them to move and see if he fell off. Because why nOooOooooOOOOTTT? He also had his skateboard strategically placed on one of the steps just for the LOLZ.

Julie was on her way to the library in approximately zero hurry today, it wasn't in a dreaded manner- Transfig homework came easy when your grandmum practically breathed the subject - No, her slow pace was owed to a much less dramatic (and simple) reason. she was, tbh, a fair bit tired after the long day of lessons and running about the castle. It was quite obvious from her slowed gait and drooping posture, nonetheless, she was on her way.

a few more floors and....

The Slytherin mentally sighed, wondering if this couldn't just be put off until tomorrow morning when she'd be well-rested and ready for the perils of the moving staircase. So busy debating herself was the Slytherin witch that she hardly noticed the young boy or the skateboard or that the step she'd taken had landed right on side skateboard until it was much too late-

-Gasp-

The skateboard went flying, Julie reached out grabbing what she could - the boy's arm - and held on tightly, just managing to avoid slipping down the staircase and any injuries that might have come. Her heart was hammering in her chest.

Julie Bellaire was wide awake now.

sarahlooo · 10-22-2017, 07:18 PM

In the dark, cold, middle of the night, Natalie McKinley suddenly jolted out of a trance when the ground beneath her started to move. She grabbed onto whatever she could and found the railing of a staircase under her hands. The moving staircase, to be exact. Looking down, she saw her pink furry slippers on her feet and realized she was still in her nightgown.

What on earth was she doing there? It was dark... It must have been the middle of the night! It was silent in the castle and she was alone. Her heart started beating very quickly and she shivered, cold, as if she had been outside for some reason.

After being frozen in shock for a moment, Natalie quickly hurried down the staircase, filled with worry. What had happened? Did she sleepwalk? How did she get so far? Quietly and quickly, Natalie hurried down the stairs to return to her common room, hoping to not run into any professor (or Peeves) and return to bed.

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